Acclaimed French actress Sarah Bernhardt famously called Chicago ‘the pulse of America’ – and you can really see why. It has a diverse population, a fiercely loyal sports culture, incredible architecture, and some of the best food in the country – from cheesy, deep-dish pizza to soul food via some very tasty hot dogs. The home of music legends Duke Ellington and Muddy Waters, it also has some of the best nightlife in America – with blues bars, jazz clubs, rock pubs and a festival scene that will blow you away.

But unlike similarly sized cities like New York and LA, a night out won’t blow your budget quite so much here. One of the best cities in America and the entire world for sport, it’s also a great place to see a game. The namesake Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks… there’s a menagerie of teams to watch here. Just make sure you get yourself a frosty cold one while you sit courtside.

If you’re heading to the USA on a Grad USA, Internship USA or Trainee USA visa, then Chicago houses all the sectors and industries you’d expect of a cosmopolitan city of its size. There’s a robust publishing industry, second only to that of New York. It’s also home to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, making it an exciting place to intern in America's financial sector.

Green energy, transportation. hospitality and health services are other large Chicago industries. From microbiology to marketing, Chicago has plenty to offer as your base for a year of career training in the USA. Plus, Barack Obama began his career here, so you’re in good company.

The average wage here per hour is give or take USD $15-20, and there’s also often perks such as complimentary housing, tips, staff meals and end of bonus contracts up to USD $500 here too. Each year, we have 1,000+ J1 jobs with our tried-and-trusted US employers across America. Book onto J1 early and select ‘USIT Job’ for access to our online Job Hub where you can search, apply and get hired.